By: Juliet Constantine

“‘Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’

Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to Him.’

Jesus answered and said, ‘This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.’” (John 12:28-31 NKJV)
 

The voice of God can take many forms; but for those who heard it, their reaction was different.

Moses first heard God’s voice when God called out to him in the mountain of Horeb. Moses was afraid, but he stood his ground and did as God commanded. Later on in his ministry, we see where his confidence grew as he chooses to listen to God and seek His guidance on everything. As Moses led the people of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, a few times God spoke to the people, but He always spoke to Moses. On one occasion when God spoke, the people were overcome by fear and requested that Moses be His mouthpiece – a position Moses already held. Back then, they perceived God to be easily angered and without mercy: Moses was seen as the pacifier to smooth God’s anger. But we learned of a softer side of God when Jesus came.

In Jesus’ time, God spoke openly to His Son. At His baptism, the voice of God was heard saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” There is no record of the reaction of those present. However, at His transfiguration, the disciples fell on their faces and were sore afraid when they heard God saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him.”

Now, with just a few days before the Passover, God spoke again in response to Jesus’ request. God assured Jesus that He had already glorified Him and would do it again. Jesus’ offering of Himself as the Passover Lamb was accepted. But the people around Him missed the message. They were more absorbed in deliberating whether or not they heard thunder or an angel speaking: They didn’t know the voice of God. In response, Jesus confirmed that what they heard was indeed a voice. He further sought to enlighten His listeners to the reality of what had transpired. Did they then understand the message?

God still speaks today as He did back then. Do you know His voice? Do you understand the message?

After He departed Earth, Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in softer tones. Amid the hustling and bustling of life, He still speaks. If you listen closely, you will hear Him say, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” As you train your ear to listen and your heart to obey, the voice of God will become clearer to you. His will for your life will be revealed; and when in obedience you follow His guidance, you will come to trust His leading. Like Abraham, you will go wherever He sends you and do whatever He asks. You will even get the treasured privilege of speaking with God face to face. Like so many others of old, Jesus will become your very best friend and advisor. Invite Him in your heart and life today. Ask Him to take over. Then listen as He speaks. He is speaking now. Are you listening? Can you hear Him?

Holy Father, speak now for Your child is listening. May we answer like Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Moses, Daniel and all others who accepted Your leading of their lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)